OPTICAL FIBER LASER DEVICE FOR OCULAR SUTURING

摘要

A method for suturing the lens capsule of the eye in the event of accidental rupture thereof or to create a valve and/or to close a capsulorhexis by means of laser-induced welding onto the capsule's surface of a flap of biocompatible biological tissue prepared so as to be optically absorbent at the wavelength of the laser being used for the welding. The method is suitable for use in the so-called Phaco-Ersatz or "lens refilling" ophthalmic surgery. The welding is done using laser devices that comprises of a laser generator and a fiberoptic system for conveying the laser beam, complete with an applicator handpiece suitable for use in welding said flaps onto the lens capsule in a liquid environment. The handpiece is shaped so as to exert a moderate pressure on the tissues to be welded with the free end of the optical fiber.